Israeli Protesters Denounce Netanyahu as a Traitor

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Prime Minister Israel Benjamin Netanyahu finally visited Kibbutz Nir Oz on Thursday, July 3, 2025, or 636 days after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. According to the Times of Israel, this is Netanyahu's first visit there since the attack, which allegedly killed and kidnapped more than a quarter of Nir Oz's population. Accompanied by his wife, Sara Netanyahu, he toured the rubble of the destroyed houses, meeting with survivors and the families of victims.

Residents Protest and Reject Netanyahu's Presence

As Netanyahu's convoy arrived at the main gate of Nir Oz, dozens of demonstrators were already waiting. The residents shouted at him, calling him a "disgrace," "corrupt," and even "murderer." They also held banners with the inscription "abandoner." The convoy eventually entered through the back gate to avoid the protests.

During the visit, some survivors and victims' families urged Netanyahu to quickly end the war and bring the hostages home through an agreement. They also demanded that the government form a commission to investigate the security failure on October 7.

Nir Oz residents also expressed their disappointment as high officials, including Netanyahu, had not visited their community post-attack, despite it being one of the most severely affected areas. A demonstrator with a megaphone also criticized Netanyahu for failing to handle the attack and the delayed rescue efforts. They said this community will not forget.

Promise to Bring Hostages Home

According to the Jerusalem Post, during the visit, Netanyahu also said, "I'm here with my wife, Sarah, in kibbutz Nir Oz in front of the destruction and slaughter. [Standing here], you feel it in the depths of your soul. The vastness of the pain, the depth of sorrow, the trauma that hasn't healed."

He added, "Standing here, I feel a deep responsibility to return all of the hostages. There are 20 live hostages and there are dead hostages. We will bring them all home." Netanyahu made similar statements in a video released by his office, as reported by Al Arabiya.

In front of the residents, he feels a deep commitment, first and foremost, to ensure the return of all hostages without exception. Netanyahu also promised to rebuild the community. After leaving Nir Oz, Netanyahu and his wife continued their journey to the city of Ofakim, which was also claimed to be a target of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.

Kibbutz Nir Oz is reportedly one of the locations most severely affected. Of the 251 people abducted by Hamas that day, 117 of them were from Nir Oz, with 30 dead and 75 kidnapped. It is reported that nine residents are still being held in Gaza, but only four are believed to be alive.

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